UPDATE: Aretha Franklin: 'Surgery was highly successful'

UPDATE: We just got news from Franklin's publicist that the surgery went well, although no details as to the nature of the procedure were released. Here's the statement:

"The surgery was highly successful. God is still in control. I had superb doctors and nurses whom were blessed by all the prayers of the city and the country. God bless you all for your prayers!"

The Queen of Soul, Ms. Aretha Franklin

On Wednesday, City Councilwoman JoAnn Watson and others gathered in downtown Detroit to pray for Franklin, reports AP. Last month, Franklin announced she was canceling all concert dates and personal appearances through May on the orders of her doctors. She did not disclose the nature of her illness.

Franklin wasn't at the vigil, but in a statement she thanked the City Council, saying "all prayers are good."

WDIV in Detroit reported that Watson spoke to the singer before the vigil. "We asked her, 'Where would you like us to have it? Inside? Outside?' She said, 'Where the Detroit statue is — [that's] a beautiful place to have it,' " Watson told WDIV. "So we are standing, and praying, on her behalf, and it's a blessing to do that."

Watson told a reporter Franklin was in "great spirits."

On Wednesday, the National Recording Academy of Arts & Sciences announced that Franklin had been nominated for a Grammy Award for her duet with Ron Isley, You've Got A Friend, in the Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals category.

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About Ann Oldenburg

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